Smarter Oral Care

Tag Archives: root planing

the cementum is a layer that allows the periodontal ligament attach itself to the root surface

A teeth cleaning appointment is also known as scaling. Every now and then every one of us would need a thorough scaling, because no matter how well we brush and floss and rinse, there will still be some minute debris left in our mouth between our teeth. These debris, after some period of time, will become hardened and these are known as calculus. There are two types of scaling – supragingival scaling, and subgingival scaling. Supragingival scaling is when the dentist only clears away the calculus that are above our gums, and can be seen in plain view. However, subgingival scaling is when the dentists cleans the calculus that are 1 – 2 mm below the gums. Sometimes, scaling is not sufficient for some patients with severe gum conditions, and root planning will be needed. Usually, root planning is needed when there is a gingival pocket more than 4 -5 mm, and there are tenacious calculus and necrotic cementum (refer to the picture to understand what is cementum) stuck to the roots of the teeth. Continue reading →

Deep gum cleaning consists of scaling and root planing. Gum disease (gingivitis) if untreated can progress to more

deep cleaning

serious periodontal disease (bacterial/viral proliferation which overwhelms the host immune response) causing destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth and bone loss which are irreversible in nature. A periodontal pocket forms and harbors bacteria in large amounts. Deep scaling and root planning are the therapeutic procedures performed to heal your gums by removing the disease causing toxins. Scaling is the process of removing dental tartar from the teeth surfaces while root planning involves removing infected tooth structure (dentin and cementum) and smoothing the rough root surfaces of the teeth. The goal of active therapy is to remove as much subgingival debris as possible and disrupt/ the bacterial proliferation. Continue reading →

Scaling? Root planing ? These are everyday dental terms which sort of sound like something used in the field of engineering or construction. To a certain extent, there seems to be a muddle up of understanding about these two terms, what they are, and why they are even needed. This article aims to clear up the air of confusion.

Like nearly all dental problems it all originates from plaque. Plaque is a soft sticky bio-film formed by bacteria which is rather easily cleaned through the use thorough and proper tooth brushing habits. However, should plaque be allowed to build up (due to improper tooth brushing technique or total neglect of oral hygiene.) it may take up trace minerals in ordinary salivary and harden to form what is known as dental calculus, a tenacious solid mass which is nearly impossible to remove through tooth brushing. Without removal of these substances, you are opening the door to gum infection, tooth loss and even serious internal diseases.